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Post by Andrew Pieterse on Jun 14, 2017 17:04:49 GMT
Thinking of heading out on the West Dart on Friday, seems forecast is for sunny skies and hot. I like to fish in the river, but last time it was so hot it left me wondering if I needed waders or if I could just get away with some walking trousers.
Anyone spent time in the river during the summer without waders ? Is it advisable , I've no idea what the water temp is at the moment?
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Post by boisker on Jun 14, 2017 17:49:24 GMT
I'd say manageable but depends on how wet you're happy getting how happy you are back tracking or scooting forward to find suitable crossing points from one bank to the next.
I tend to wear waders, very loose fitting shirt and baseball cap... if I get hot I'll find a deeper stretch and cool my waders down properly in that, the main source of relief though is soaking my hat in the river then putting it back on. The cold water of Dartmoor on your head is a fantastic way to cool down.
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Post by halfstoned on Jun 14, 2017 20:14:26 GMT
Definitely agree with Boisker, might be alright wet wading in shallow water but some of the pools on Dartmoor are surprisingly deep and often the best way to stay off the skyline is to kneel or sit in the pool below or behind a boulder etc... Anyway the nether regions are probably going to complain no matter how warm the day is!! Sitting in deep water to cool down and the hat trick are the way to go IMHO.
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Post by Andrew Pieterse on Jun 23, 2017 9:50:26 GMT
Best day ever on Dartmoor, totally unexpected, bright warm and sunny day. Largest fish about 12.5 inches , lost another well in excess of that , caught another 9 fish most between 8 and 10 inches. Fishing pretty much stopped dead at 1pm when the day got to it's warmest. Waders - definitely needed, Wading staff - definitely needed, Cane rod - Paul Young Para 14 style - optional. Pictures of fish aren't great, always a bit awkward trying to get fish back with minimal handling; expecting smaller fish I had no net to hand !!   |
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Post by halfstoned on Jun 23, 2017 20:59:53 GMT
That's a proper un, would have made a quick snack of the fish I was catching Thursday night! Are the midges a problem on the Dart? I was eaten alive above Meldon, worst I've ever known it.
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Post by Andrew Pieterse on Jun 24, 2017 9:51:18 GMT
That's a proper un, would have made a quick snack of the fish I was catching Thursday night! Are the midges a problem on the Dart? I was eaten alive above Meldon, worst I've ever known it. No midges about actually, it was bright and sunny , which seemed to keep them at bay. It was quite a bit smaller than the larger one I lost, but I presume that was an "educated" fish, it made two fast runs straight toward me, on the first run I managed to strip the line in fast enough to hang on, the second run I was too slow. Pretty "clever" tactics for a hooked fish! |
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